Psalms 73:6

KJV

Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them [as] a garment.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore pride {H1346} compasseth them about as a chain {H6059}{H8804)}; violence {H2555} covereth {H5848}{H8799)} them as a garment {H7897}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So for them, pride is a necklace; and violence clothes them like a robe.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.

American Standard Version

Therefore pride is as a chain about their neck; Violence covereth them as a garment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:6, a poignant observation by Asaph, vividly portrays the unrighteous who appear to prosper, illustrating how their inner character manifests outwardly. The verse depicts pride as an inescapable adornment, encircling them like a prominent necklace, while violence completely envelops them as a defining garment. This powerful imagery highlights the pervasive and habitual nature of their sin, which, despite their superficial success, constitutes their spiritual bondage and moral corruption, setting the stage for Asaph's profound struggle with divine justice and his eventual revelation of their ultimate, devastating end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73 opens with Asaph's raw and honest confession of his profound spiritual crisis, articulated in [Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2-3 - Asaph's Struggle with Envy"). He admits that his faith nearly faltered because he envied the arrogant and observed the seemingly unburdened prosperity of the wicked. Verse 6 is an integral part of his initial, bewildered description of these individuals, detailing their outward demeanor and actions, specifically their pervasive arrogance and unrestrained, harmful behavior. This verse contributes significantly to the mounting tension within Asaph's soul, as he grapples with the apparent injustice of God allowing such individuals to flourish without immediate consequence. This internal conflict sets the critical stage for his pivotal turning point when he enters [God's sanctuary](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph's Understanding in the Sanctuary") and gains a divine perspective on their true spiritual state and ultimate, inevitable ruin. The psalm then masterfully transitions from a lament of doubt to a profound expression of understanding, unwavering trust, and worship, demonstrating a transformative journey from spiritual confusion to confident faith in God's sovereign justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, prosperity was frequently interpreted as a tangible sign of God's blessing and favor, while suffering could often be misconstrued as an indicator of divine disfavor or judgment. This prevailing theological framework made the apparent prosperity of the wicked particularly perplexing and challenging to the faith of the righteous, a dilemma explored extensively in other wisdom literature, such as the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - A Study of Suffering and Righteousness"). The imagery employed in Psalms 73:6, specifically "chains" or necklaces and "garments," carried significant cultural weight. Necklaces were often prominent symbols of honor, status, wealth, or personal adornment, worn visibly. To say pride "compasses them about as a chain" suggests that pride is not merely an internal attitude but an outward, self-proclaimed mark of their identity, a twisted form of self-adornment or even a binding force that defines them publicly. Similarly, garments were fundamental for identity, status, and protection in daily life. To be "covered" by violence as a garment implies that violence is not an occasional or accidental act but a fundamental, pervasive, and habitual aspect of their character and daily conduct, something they are perpetually clothed in, thereby revealing their true, corrupt nature to all who observe them.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several crucial themes within [Psalms 73](/psalms/73 "Psalms 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked and God's Justice") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Deceptiveness of Outward Appearances**. Asaph's initial spiritual struggle stems directly from judging by what he observes: the wicked appear strong, healthy, unburdened by trouble, and seemingly successful, leading to a superficial and misleading assessment of their true spiritual condition. Secondly, it underscores **The Pervasiveness and Insidiousness of Sin**. Pride and violence are not depicted as fleeting emotions or isolated transgressions but as deeply ingrained characteristics that define these individuals, akin to their very clothing or jewelry. This potent imagery emphasizes how sin, when embraced, can become a habitual, all-encompassing way of life, blinding one to spiritual reality and impending judgment, a truth consistently warned against in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Thirdly, and implicitly, the verse raises the profound theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**. By lamenting the apparent lack of immediate consequence for the wicked, Asaph directly confronts the challenging question of God's justice. The psalm's ultimate resolution, however, reveals that God's justice is not absent but operates on a divine timeline and with a comprehensive scope, ultimately bringing the wicked to ruin, a comforting truth powerfully echoed in [Psalm 37:1-2](/psalms/37-1 "Psalm 37:1-2 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gaʼăvâh (Hebrew, _gaʼăvâh'_):** Translated "pride," this noun (H1346) denotes arrogance, haughtiness, or insolence. It refers to an inflated sense of self-importance, often accompanied by contempt for others and a profound disregard for divine authority. In this context, it is the fundamental characteristic that drives the wicked's outward display and actions, acting as the very "necklace" or "chain" they wear. This pride is the root of their unrighteousness, leading them to believe they are above accountability and divine judgment.
* **ʻânaq (Hebrew, _ʻânaq'_):** This Hebrew verb (H6059), translated "compasseth them about," literally means "to put a necklace on" or "to adorn with a necklace." The imagery suggests that pride is not merely an internal attitude but something these individuals consciously adorn themselves with, a prominent and inescapable feature of their public persona. It implies a self-imposed ornament, a visible mark of their identity that is both decorative and binding, akin to a collar that restricts or defines. This pride is worn as a badge of honor, yet it simultaneously acts as a spiritual chain, binding them in their own self-exaltation.
* **shîyth (Hebrew, _shîyth'_):** This Hebrew noun (H7897), translated "[as] a garment" (with "as" supplied by KJV for clarity of simile), refers to a piece of clothing, a cloak, or a robe. The choice of this word emphasizes the complete envelopment. Violence is not an occasional act for them but their customary attire, something they are perpetually clothed in. It signifies that violence is deeply ingrained in their character and actions, defining their very being and how they interact with the world. It is their defining uniform, constantly on display and inseparable from their identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain":** This clause establishes a direct consequence ("Therefore") for the wicked's apparent ease and lack of trouble, as described in the preceding verses of the psalm. "Pride" (גַאֲוָה, _gaʼăvâh_) is vividly personified as an active agent that "compasseth them about" (עָנַק, _ʻânaq_), literally "necklaces them." The King James Version's addition of "as a chain" clarifies the simile, suggesting that pride is an inescapable, binding adornment. It is not merely an internal feeling but an outward, self-imposed mark of their identity that is both ornamental and restrictive, effectively trapping them in their own arrogance. This pride serves as their self-made collar, a symbol of their perceived superiority and their defiant disregard for God.
* **"violence covereth them [as] a garment":** Following the powerful imagery of pride, this clause describes violence as an equally pervasive and defining characteristic. The Hebrew verb for "covereth" (יַעֲטָף, _yaʿaṭap_, from H5848) means to wrap oneself or be completely covered, while "garment" (שִׁית, _shîyth_, from H7897) refers to a cloak or robe. The KJV's "[as]" again emphasizes the simile. This signifies that violence (חָמָס, _châmâç_ - which encompasses physical aggression, injustice, and oppression) is not an isolated act but their customary and defining way of living. It is something they are constantly clothed in, revealing their character to the world. Their actions are fundamentally defined by oppressive and harmful behavior, which has become as natural and integral to them as the very clothes they wear.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:6 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and **Simile**, painting a vivid and unsettling picture of the wicked. The primary literary device employed is **Simile**, explicitly stating that "pride compasseth them about *as a chain*" and "violence covereth them *as a garment*." These comparisons are profoundly effective: the "chain" or "necklace" suggests something worn prominently, a mark of identity or status, but also something that can bind or restrict. Pride, though seemingly a source of freedom and power for the wicked, is ironically their self-imposed spiritual bondage. The "garment" simile for violence emphasizes its pervasive and habitual nature; it is not an occasional act but their constant attire, revealing their true character and moral corruption. There is also a subtle element of **Personification**, as pride and violence are depicted as active agents that "compass" and "cover," almost as if they are physical entities adorning or enveloping the wicked. The cumulative effect of these devices is a powerful, visual indictment of the wicked's moral and spiritual state, making their internal corruption outwardly manifest through striking and memorable comparisons.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the biblical understanding of the nature of sin, particularly pride and violence, and their deceptive outward manifestations. It highlights that sin, when unchecked and embraced, becomes an intrinsic part of one's identity, not merely an action but a defining characteristic. The striking imagery of pride as a "chain" and violence as a "garment" underscores the pervasive, enslaving, and publicly displayed nature of these sins. Theologically, this challenges the superficial assessment of prosperity as an automatic sign of divine favor, compelling the believer to look beyond material success to the deeper spiritual reality of a person's life. It powerfully reinforces the truth that true blessedness is not found in outward ease, power, or worldly acclaim, but in righteousness and a right, humble relationship with God, regardless of fleeting worldly circumstances. The verse anticipates the psalm's ultimate resolution, where Asaph finally understands that the wicked's apparent security is fleeting and deceptive, and their end is utter destruction, a stark and sobering contrast to the eternal security and intimate communion enjoyed by the righteous in God's presence.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [Psalm 11:5](/psalms/11-5 "Psalm 11:5 - God Hates Violence")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:6 serves as a crucial and timeless reminder for believers to cultivate profound spiritual discernment and to vehemently resist the insidious temptation to envy the apparent success or ease of the unrighteous. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial glitter of worldly power, material prosperity, and unchecked freedom, recognizing that what appears as strength and liberation in the wicked is, in reality, a self-imposed spiritual bondage and a prelude to their ruin. Their pride, worn like a prominent necklace, and their violence, donned like a defining garment, are not badges of honor or signs of blessing but indelible marks of their deep spiritual corruption and impending judgment. This verse calls us to profound humility, urging us to guard our hearts diligently against the insidious creep of pride, which can blind us to our true spiritual state, separate us from God, and ultimately lead to a devastating fall. It also encourages us to actively and unequivocally reject violence, injustice, and oppression in all their forms, understanding that true righteousness is characterized by humility, justice, compassion, and peace. Ultimately, it strengthens our unwavering trust in God's perfect and unwavering justice, even when it seems delayed or obscured by worldly circumstances, assuring us that He sees all, judges righteously, and will ultimately set all things right, providing profound comfort and stability in a world that often appears chaotic and upside down.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to envy the apparent success or ease of those who do not walk in righteousness, and how can I counter this temptation?**
* **How might pride manifest in my own life, perhaps subtly or unconsciously, and what "chains" might it be creating for me that hinder my spiritual growth or relationships?**
* **What does it truly mean for violence to "cover" someone like a garment, and how can I actively ensure my character and actions are consistently clothed in righteousness, justice, and compassion, rather than harm?**
* **How does understanding the ultimate, inevitable end of the wicked, as powerfully hinted at in this verse and revealed later in the psalm, strengthen my trust in God's perfect and sovereign justice?**

### FAQ
**What does "pride compasseth them about as a chain" truly mean?**

Answer: This vivid imagery means that pride is not just an internal feeling but an outward, defining, and inescapable characteristic of these individuals. The Hebrew word for "compasseth about" (עָנַק, _ʻânaq_) literally means "to put a necklace on" or "to wear a collar." So, pride is like a prominent necklace or chain they wear, a self-chosen adornment that is visible to all. It signifies that their arrogance is a constant, inescapable part of their identity, something they are bound by and proudly display, even as it spiritually restricts and enslaves them. It's a symbol of their self-exaltation and their perceived superiority, often leading to a disregard for others and for God's law, as seen throughout [Psalms 73](/psalms/73 "Psalms 73 - Asaph's Struggle and Resolution").

**Why is violence described as covering them "as a garment"?**

Answer: The phrase "violence covereth them [as] a garment" emphasizes the pervasive, habitual, and intrinsic nature of their violent behavior. A garment is something one wears constantly, defining one's outward appearance and identity. Similarly, violence (חָמָס, _châmâç_, encompassing injustice, oppression, and physical harm) is not an occasional act for these individuals but is deeply ingrained in their character and actions. It is their defining attire, revealing their true nature and the way they interact with the world. This suggests that their lives are characterized by oppressive and harmful conduct, which has become as natural and integral to them as the clothes they wear, a stark contrast to the righteousness and justice God desires for His people, as described in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires").

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the prosperity of the wicked in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse is a classic and powerful expression of the perplexing biblical theme of the prosperity of the wicked, which troubled many biblical authors, including Asaph in [Psalms 73](/psalms/73 "Psalms 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"). It highlights the outward appearance of success, ease, and lack of trouble enjoyed by those who live in pride and violence, which often causes righteous individuals to question divine justice and the fairness of God's ways. However, the psalm, and indeed the broader biblical narrative, ultimately reveals that this prosperity is temporary, deceptive, and ultimately leads to ruin. While the wicked may flourish for a time, their end is destruction and sudden desolation, as clarified later in [Psalms 73:17-20](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17-20 - The End of the Wicked"). The verse serves to vividly describe the wicked's character, setting up the profound spiritual dilemma that the rest of the psalm masterfully resolves by pointing to God's ultimate sovereignty, unwavering justice, and the eternal blessedness of those who cling to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:6, with its stark depiction of pride as a binding chain and violence as a defining garment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who stands in perfect and absolute contrast to the wicked described by Asaph. While the wicked are characterized by self-exalting pride and arrogant defiance, Jesus embodies profound and perfect humility, choosing to empty Himself of divine prerogatives and take the very form of a servant, even to the point of obedient death on a cross, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). He did not wear pride as a necklace but bore the shame, suffering, and condemnation of humanity, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the pervasive sin of pride. Furthermore, in stark opposition to violence covering the wicked, Jesus, the promised Prince of Peace, consistently rejected violence as a means to achieve His kingdom, even when unjustly arrested and facing imminent crucifixion, famously instructing Peter to put away his sword in [Matthew 26:52](/matthew/26-52 "Matthew 26:52 - Put Away Your Sword"). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection offer the true garment of righteousness to all who believe, covering them not with violence or their own corrupt deeds but with His imputed righteousness and the robes of salvation, as beautifully prophesied in [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation"). Through Christ, believers are miraculously freed from the enslaving chains of pride and the defiling garment of violence, invited instead to be clothed in humility, peace, and the perfect righteousness of God, finding true and eternal prosperity in Him, a blessed reality that infinitely surpasses any fleeting earthly gain or deceptive worldly success.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Judges 8:26

And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred [shekels] of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that [was] on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that [were] about their camels' necks.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Proverbs 1:9

For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Ezekiel 16:11

I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.